Kids Who Smoke Could Face Fine, Loss Of Driving

TALLAHASSEE — Teens who light up a smoke could soon be paying fines, painting over graffiti or losing their driving privileges.

A crackdown on kids under 18 who smoke passed the House Juvenile Justice Committee on Wednesday, despite arguments that increased punishment should be meted out to adults who sell tobacco to minors.

''It's commonly perceived by people that it is unlawful for minors to smoke. But that's not the case,'' said Rep. Steve Feren, D-Sunrise, a sponsor of the bill.

''If a police officer sees a 15-year-old in front of a shopping center smoking a cigarette, there is nothing he can do. This bill makes it illegal.''

The measure adopted 13-2 by the committee would impose civil penalties, including a $25 fine or community service and a temporary loss of driving privileges - up to six months for a fourth offense.

A Senate version was filed by Sen. John Grant, R-Tampa, but has not been heard in committee.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 million minors begin smoking each year. Most start at age 12 or 13.

The state has no statistics on the number of underage smokers in Florida. But a 1993 survey by the Department of Education found that nearly one of every four high-schoolers had smoked regularly during the previous month.

Selling tobacco to underage smokers now carries a $500 fine. The state also requires that cigarette vending machines be in an adult's direct line of sight.

Still, the state estimates that a minor succeeds in buying cigarettes once out of every five tries.

But some health professionals and committee members said the bill targets the wrong people.